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EU seeks enhanced collaboration with PCG

Philippines | National

EU seeks enhanced collaboration with PCG

By Martin Sadongdong

The European Union is looking to bolster maritime cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) by fostering opportunities for a deeper and more strategic partnership.

This, as EU head of delegation to the Philippines Mariomassimo Santoro and EU First Secretary and Political Officer Frederic Grillet paid a courtesy visit to PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan at the PCG national headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Tuesday, May 13.

“The visit strengthened maritime cooperation and explored new avenues for deeper and more strategic collaboration between the Philippines and the European Union,” the PCG said in a statement Wednesday, May 14.

According to the PCG, it has been working with the EU since 2023. Their ties primarily focus on maritime cooperation such as capacity building, maritime security, and development assistance.

“Strengthening PH-EU ties in trade, security, and development remains a priority to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress,” the statement read.

Last year, the national government and EU launched a technical assistance project to improve seafarers’ training, education and working conditions in the Philippines.

The project, which runs from September 2024 to November 2027, will “support the improvement of the training, certification, and well-being of Filipino seafarers so they can continue working abroad and under good labor conditions.”

The PCG is collaborating on the project along with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and Maritime Higher Education Institutions.

The EU has also expressed support for the PCG’s efforts in safeguarding Filipino fishermen and Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid Chinese harassment.

Related Tags

PCG European Union maritime cooperation

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